Georgina's Profile

Sorry to say I thought it bland. The newspapers aren't showing a "before" version so it's hard to compare. But I don't think the Obama adaptations are wholly successful. Too much beige. Rather mid-market motel looking. I don't like those sofas or the leather chairs--too generic for me. They seem to fight with the formal style of the draperies and pelmet. While the room doesn't have to be a museum period piece, I would be more in favor of a decor in tune with the style and period of the house, with some strong accept pieces for updates; and those should be of some distinction, rather than commonplace. Obviously the comfort of the occupant and the quality of work is the paramount consideration.

In our Boston apartment, all the windows are of the variety that slide from side to side. We have not been able to find an air conditioner that fits and/or would not damage the metal window tracks with its weight.

So we have for five years been doing without. We bought thermal draperies from J.C. Penney for all the windows. We have fans in several windows, including the bedrooms. In the early mornings we open all the windows to let the coolest air of the day circulate through. When it begins to get warmer outside than in, we close up the windows, doors, and draperies for the duration of the day. This method keeps the inside air in the 60s, 70s, or low 80s F on most days, even when it's in the nineties or higher outdoors. Again the evening when it begins to get cooler, we open up and air out, and turn on the fans. On the hottest days we spend longer times in AC at work or go to a public library, restaurant, grocery store cafe, movie theater or academic building to cool down in institutional AC. This approach is similar to that used traditionally in southern France and in Italy, where houses are equipped with shutters inside to keep out the sun during the daytime.

I too thought the Monet was the "after" picture. It looks as though the "before" fixtures--tub, sink, etc.--were of higher quality. I am often surprised by the willingness of people to undertake the work, expense, and waste of total renovation when a partial re-do and some redecoration would suffice. If one doesn't like the mural, for example, paint over it, and pull up the rug if it's wall to wall. When a baby and children are around, of course safety and convenience are paramount, but again, I think there are accessories to make rooms safer without having to renovate completely. Of course I don't know the whole picture for this family... so this is not targeted at them... but I would be in favor of thinking more often about the environmental impact of all this renovating as we contemplate the upbringing of our children.

As many ideas, and versions of most decorating styles, can be executed at any price point, I love being inspired by a range of spaces and ways of living. The glamor of this apartment could serve as a model for any budget, especially with elements collected over time. Maria's space shows verve, a deft hand with a mix of periods and cultures, and great color. It has a more cosmopolitan feel than quite a few of the apartments shown on AT, which tend to showcase American retailers and regional memorabilia. As for expectations for the children, I'd hazard a guess that they may be taught to behave differently from many Americans' kids... who are often allowed to take over the whole house or even any public space they find themselves in. European and Latin American children are often taught to differentiate between outdoor or play space, and space where adults gather and objects must be left alone. My own kids are American, and it is they who have remarked on this difference, with approval.

Consider a plain carpet that will set off the frills and furbelows of your Regency furnishings and accessories. You can get one cut and bound to measure at any carpet retailer or even Home Depot, in any color you please, and that is a thrifty way to go.

Okay, I'll bite. I liked this apartment too; it is more upscale than many city apartments presented on AT, but I found the use of space very careful and appealing, and I love the colors. The house reminds me of a very recent feature in Elle Decor on the home of an Argentinian artist and her polo player husband: it too used very large photographic art to good effect. I like the mix of furniture styles and the use of a large array of thrift shops (good suggestions for sources) and inexpensive retailers like West Elm etc. As for being styled and arranged, yes, it obviously is, but the owner likely did that for the tour, out of respect for the viewers. The writeup suggests the family are not native to the U.S.... consider that many cultures are less casual and more private than that of the U.S. young adult mainstream; a little more polished in the display and not so likely, perhaps, to let it all hang out in the interview.

I too have a large stack of coupe shape white porcelain plates, found at a local Goodwill store. They go with everything else we have. A few have broken, but we still have a good supply; and they cost only a quarter each!

Well I can see the intent and know from experience how children love cozy hidden places. Please, though, if anybody tries this at home, be very aware of safety... and the ages of children involved. (The doors here don't look like they are designed for children's fingers...) There should be nothing that snaps shut or locks or that cannot be pushed open easily from inside... and a cupboard must be very securely affixed to the wall so that if someone pulls or climbs, the furniture can't fall over on a child.

While the overall style is not for me--sorry, it feels too distractedly kitschy for my taste--I admired and learned from some of the elements of this house. I very much like the brown walls of the living room and the contrasting spacious white kitchen... also some of the methods of corralling tools and other collections of objects. Having the space for a freestanding studio is great. I know some households in Seattle that allow for that in the city... wonderful.

Craiglist is very hit or miss--most miss--because of its large readership. I have had much better luck with ebay and consignment shops, and with yard/estate sales. Even, in my graduate student days in the nineties, found a large vintage Danish teak desk in perfect condition at Goodwill for $5. My husband still uses it today.